Many television shows have the fortune to last for years—some even go for decades. FromGrey’s AnatomytoIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, some shows defy all expectations and keep surprising audiences throughout the years, attracting enough viewers to live long and fruitful lies on the small screen. However, not every show is as lucky, and some barely make it to their sophomore effort.
These shows are remarkable achievements in their respective genres, yet they didn’t have more than two seasons. Some were canceled, and some others decided that two seasons were enough. The fact remains thatthese are the best shows that only lasted two seasons, offering spectacular entertainment despite their limited lifespans and earning a much-deserved place in the pantheon of television classics.
10’Galavant' (2015-2016)
Creator: Dan Fogelman
The comedic musical fantasy extravaganzaGalavantis truly a remarkably unique show. FromDan Fogelman’s mind, the show follows the titular character, a dashing knight on a quest to recover his “happily ever after” following the loss of his true love, Madalena, to the evil King Richard.
Although never a ratings juggernaut, contributing to its short lifespan,Galavantis a refreshing and enchanting take on the musical and fantasy genres. Elevated by an irresistibly charming performance fromJoshua Sasse,Galavantis everything one could hope for in a medieval, comedic musical: wacky, vibrant, self-aware, and endlessly entertaining.Fans have long hoped for aGalavantrevival, but they will always have those precious two seasons that have aged wonderfully, especially as the industry seems to become more risk-averse.
Watch on Hulu
9’Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles' (2008-2009)
Creator: Josh Friedman
BeforeLena Headeyplayedone of television’s all-time great villains, she played one of the all-time best heroes.Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chroniclesacts as a sequel toTerminator 2: Judgement Day, disregarding the events ofTerminator 3: Rise of the Machines. It follows Sarah and her son, John, as they work together to prevent Skynet’s creation.
Although severely underappreciated during its original run,The Sarah Connor Chronicleshas aged like fine wine and is now considered among the only worthy follow-ups to James Cameron’s original duology. Thanks to a confident and cool-as-heck performance from Headey, joined by an equally spectacularSummer Glauas the franchise’s best Terminator sinceRobert Patrick,The Sarah Connor Chroniclesis a great mix of sci-fi and action. It expands on the franchise’s themes while allowing Sarah and John to continue growing as characters, something none of the post-T2movies have done.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
8’Big Little Lies' (2017-2019)
Creator: David E. Kelley
Based on the 2014 eponymous novel by Liane Moriarty,Big Little Lieswas a major hit for HBO. From the mind of TV iconDavid E. Kelley, the show follows the lives of several mothers who become involved in a murder investigation. Oscar winnersNicole Kidman,Reese Witherspoon, andLaura Dernstar oppositeShailene WoodleyandZoë Kravitz.
Although originally billed as a limited series,Big Little Lieswas such a success that a second season arrived two years later.The first season is a triumph of the small screen, an addictive, alluring, and impactful mysterythat took pop culture by storm in February 2017. The second season is considerably worse, somewhat staining its once-pristine legacy.A supposed third season ofBig Little Liesis in the works, but until it happens, it will remain one of TV’s best two-parters.
Big Little Lies
Watch on Max
7’Flight of the Conchords' (2007-2009)
Creators: James Bobin, Jemaine Clement, Brey McKenzie
Jemaine ClementandBret McKenzieplay fictionalized versions of themselves in the 2007 HBO comedyFlight of the Conchords. The story centers on the duo, a two-man folk band from New Zealand, as they attempt to find fame and success in New York City. The two encounter numerous struggles, including an intense married woman/stalker who is their only fan and the culture clash of living in the USA.
Critically acclaimed and widely considered an underrated gem,Flight of the Conchordsfeels as fresh today as it was in the late 2000s. With ridiculously catchy songs and a sincere, charming tone that was refreshing yet subversive,Flight of the Conchordsis a hysterical ode to the slacker lifestyle that feels purely and irresistibly millennial. It’s weird and quirky yet earnest and endearing, the type of show that comes around less and less frequently nowadays, powered byone of comedy’s best duos.
Flight of the Conchords
This comedy series follows the lives of Bret and Jemaine, two struggling musicians from New Zealand trying to make it in New York City. With deadpan humor and quirky musical performances, the show explores their misadventures in love, friendship, and the pursuit of fame.
6’Sports Night' (1998-2000)
Creator: Aaron Sorkin
AlthoughAaron Sorkin’s distinctive style can sometimes be too much, hardly anyone can deny his talent for crafting a great television show. In 1998, he created the workplace comedySports Night, about the inner workings of a fictional television sports show. The show starred an ensemble cast that notably included a pre-Desperate HousewivesFelicity Huffmanand a pre-Six Feet UnderPeter Krause.
Sports Nightended too soon, plain and simple. Full of the sharp, clever dialogue that made Sorkin a superstar and with humor to spare, the show was a perfect case of lightning-in-a-bottle. However, the true giants here were the terrific ensemble cast, who seamlessly fit into Sorkin’s world and created a unique dynamic that made them electrifying to watch.Sports Nightcould’ve become a true TV classic had it been given the chance by audiences.
Sports Night
Rent on Amazon
5’Pushing Daisies' (2007-2009)
Creator: Bryan Fuller
The facts are these:Pushing Daisiesis a fantasy show created by oneBryan Fuller, starringLee Pace,Anna Friel,Chi McBride, andKristin Chenoweth. It follows Ned, the Piemaker, who has the mysterious ability to bring people back to life with one touch, both a gift and a curse. Touch them once, and they return as if nothing happened; touch them twice, and they drop dead forever.
Pushing Daisiesis among Bryan Fuller’s best shows, a quirky, fast-paced, colorful, and delightful blend of fantasy, comedy, and romance. Boasting an incredible cast and terrific, sharp, and instantly quotable dialogue,Pushing Daisiesis a remarkable and unique effort from one of television’s most daring minds. Mixing a case-of-the-week format with more philosophical themes like fate, purpose, and self-discovery,Pushing Daisiesdefies genres and conventions. And, while it’s a shame it only lived to see two seasons, they are among the best and most rewatchable of any show from the 2000s.
Pushing Daisies
4’Enlightened' (2011-2013)
Creators: Mike White, Laura Dern
Long before he createdThe White Lotus,Mike Whitejoined forces with future Oscar-winnerLaura Dernfor HBO’s dramedyEnlightened. Dern stars Amy Jellicoe, a 40-year-old woman who returns to her job after a two-month stay at an institution due to suffering a mental breakdown. With a new approach to life and wanting to be a force for change in her environment, Amy attempts to rebuild the bridges she burnt.
Enlightenedis, first and foremost, a showcase for Laura Dern. The actress delivers a tour-de-force performance as the frail yet profoundly sympathetic Amy Jellicoe.Enlightenedis a challenging yet rewarding viewing experience, a show that demands a lot from its audience yet delivers in equal amounts. Inspiring without being preachy, largely thanks to its wicked, frustrating approach,Enlightenedis the marriage between White’s observant style and a pure, relentlessly positive message that the world can, indeed, be kinder.
Enlightened
Watch on HBO
3’Mindhunter' (2017-2019)
Creator: Joe Penhall
Jonathan Groff,Holt McCallany, andAnna Torvstar in Netflix’s psychological crime thrillerMindhunter. Set in the 1970s, the series chronicles the founding of the Behavioral Science Unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigations, thus portraying the beginning of criminal profiling. The show features several depictions of real-life killers, most notably Ed Kemper.
Mindhunteris a riveting and precise crime thriller that greatly benefits from director and de facto showrunnerDavid Fincher’s famously cinematic approach. Offering equal amounts of chilling discomfort and compelling drama,Mindhunterquickly became one of Netflix’s most acclaimed shows, towering over its competition thanks to its visuals and tight, discomforting narrative. Alas, the show was too expensive and challenging, and recently,Fincher himself confirmedMindhunteris dead and buried, erasing any possibility of a return.
Mindhunter
Watch on Netflix
2’The Comeback' (2005-2014)
Creators: Lisa Kudrow, Michael Patrick King
Following the 2004 ending ofFriends,Lisa Kudrowwasted no time to return to primetime television. Joining hands withMichael Patrick King, Kudrow co-createdThe Comeback, a dramedy following the overly dramatic and hysterical Valerie Cherish. A former sitcom star, Valerie returns to television on a sitcom and agrees to chronicle her process on a companion reality TV show,The Comeback.
Prophetic in all the best ways,The Comebackis among modern television’s most intelligent and instantly iconic shows. Kudrow’s Valerie Cherish isone of HBO’s all-time best characters, a singular creation that perfectly captures the drive and desperation of many performers trying to succeed in a cutthroat business. Kudrow makes Valerie feel uncomfortably relatable, turningThe Comebackinto an exercise in fame and the true nature of success. Chillingly accurate in its depiction of fame-for-fame’s-sakes,The Comebackis a gem that was far too ahead of its time.
The Comeback
1’Fleabag' (2016-2019)
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
From the wicked mind ofPhoebe Waller-BridgecomesFleabag, possibly the best tragicomedy in modern television. Waller-Bridge stars as the titular character, a sharp, confused, angry young woman living in London and navigating the many questionable events in her life. Unlike other characters, Fleabag is confident but chaotic, acknowledging her issues but refusing to accept any help.
Full of black, dry, witty humor expertly delivered by an outstanding Waller-Bridge,Fleabagis a dark, thought-provoking, often ruthless, and hilarious comedy, the likes of which audiences seldom see. With its constant fourth-wall breaks and biting insights, Fleabag quickly became an icon of modern television. The series' genius lies in its perfect blend of tragedy and humor;Fleabagmight be the most devastating show in recent memory, yet the writing is so familiar and relatable that fans can’t help but appreciate and even welcome its ruthlessness. With one of the most unforgettable, striking, and heart-wrenching endings in TV history,Fleabagis nothing short of a masterpiece.
Series adapted from the award-winning play about a young woman trying to cope with life in London whilst coming to terms with a recent tragedy.
